First Bite: Soulful Fare at the Floodcraft Taproom

Tucked in the corner of Whole Foods Market Oakland, Floodcraft Taproom seems like an unassuming spot, but it offers something you can’t find anywhere else: Bay Area brews to enjoy with delicious bar bites crafted by award-winning chef Tanya Holland. The Top Chef alum and restaurateur—who’s expected to open her new Brown Sugar Kitchen location in Uptown Oakland later this month—recently created an exclusive taproom menu featuring such delectable fare as creole deviled eggs, spicy baked chicken wings, and a creole BBQ burger.

We enjoyed Floodcraft’s Sorta Session IPA with the savory hush puppies—loaded with sweet corn and jalapeños—and the scrumptious sliders featuring jerk-spiced pork belly and pineapple cabbage slaw on a soft artisanal bun. We also recommend the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich—starring one of Holland’s signature creations—and the thick, Creole yam wedges, which paired well with Fieldwork Brewing Company’s hoppy Dankness on the Edge of Town IPA.